Community for Change meeting set

Community for Change will host its monthly meeting on Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m. at Blueberries Eatery, 522 Sixth St.

Scheduled topics include a presentation by Transit Now regarding recent KRM and RTA activities; a report by youth organizers from Students United in the Struggle and their activities on creating a school holiday on Martin Luther King Day and a group planning session and update on the Community for Change Mayoral Candidate Forum on March 23.

This meeting is free and open to the public; attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Racine County Food Bank. RSVP’s are not required, but appreciated.

Community for Change is a comprehensive coalition of grassroots organizers committed to promoting hope, action and change in our world and within our community.

The organization may be found online at www.communityforchange.com and www.yeswecanracine.com and contacted by email.

Case HS hosts spring sports info meeting

Case High School, 7345 Washington Ave, will host a meeting for all Case students and their families who are interested in participating in sports for the spring 2009 semester on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be in the Case High School Theatre, and parking is free in the North parking lot of the school.

Spring sports include: baseball, softball, girls and boys track, boys tennis, boys golf and girls soccer.

For more information, contact the Case High School Activities Office at (262) 619-4203.

River Bend’s Maple Syrup Sundays

When the snow begins to melt and the temperatures begin to rise, it’s time for … Sugarin’ Off Pancake Sundays at River Bend Nature Center. Join us every Sunday in March for a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup followed by a stroll through the sugarbush! This year we will be serving from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Costs: Adults $7, Kids 12 & under $5, age 3 & under Free.

All proceeds go to support educational programs at the Center. For questions call (262) 639-0930.

Video Divina at HOPES Center

The HOPES Center of Racine presents 'Video Divina,' a series for adults 20 to 40-years-old.

Sessions are scheduled for Fridays, March 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the HOPES Center 506 7th St.

The series provides an opportunity to explore how God is speaking today—in our culture and in our lives through the use of popular videos, discussion, scripture, and prayer. To register call 262 898 2940 or for more information contact Sister Peg Gabik, or at 262 633 4682. Goodwill offering

Lent: A Season for Healing at HOPES Center

The HOPES Center of Racine presents "Lent: A Season for Healing."

The series includes informal sharing of your personal experience of grief and loss as well as some grief education. Sister Kathy Slesar, OP, Pastoral Associate at St. Eugene's Parish in Fox Point will be the facilitator. The sessions will take place at the HOPES Center of Racine, 506 7th St., from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Fridays, March 6, 13, 20, and 27. For more information or to register call 262 898 2940. No charge; goodwill offering

Bonk! offers a varied bill this Saturday

The next BONK! will be Saturday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m., featuring performances from storyteller and visual artist Tom Clark, writer Katie O'Shaugnessy, poet Ryan Philip Kulefsky, and musician Luis Garza.

Created to expose the public to artistic talents, Racine Public Library performance series showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and all sorts of talents in between. A completely free program, performances take place at the Blueberries restaurant, 418 Sixth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating available on a first come/first served basis. Each BONK! event features a short question and answer session with the artists.

Tom Clark is a kindergarten teacher, artist and storyteller who interweaves each of his personas into his artwork. He is currently exploring his art through picassiette (broken china mosaic) and hand-made paper. His work has been described as "spontaneous, touchable, and childlike."

Katie O'Shaughnessy, a recent graduate of Carthage College, is working as a tutor for Elgin Community College and as a health food specialist for the Crystal Lake Health Food Store. Katie's short story, "Dust," won the 2008 Chapin-Tague Award for Fiction.

Ryan Philip Kulefsky was born and raised in Chicago. He teaches American literature and writing and rhetoric at Columbia College, Chicago.

Singer/songwriter Luis Garza's soulful blend of guitar and voice music was heard at the Racine Public Library's Latin@ Voices Hispanic Heritage Performance Series in September 2008.

Local artists and performers are encouraged to share their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information or to view past performances visit the Bonk! website or contact the Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika or Nick Demske.

Faculty-student game remembers Alex Olson

A student-faculty basketball game will be held Friday, Feb. 27, at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Dr., to raise funds for the Alex J. Olson Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship fund was was created by Al 'Jess' and Debbie Olson, parents of Alex Olson, who died at age 19 after a courageous year-long battle with leukemia in March 2005.

Because of his illness, he was the first member of the Class of 2005 to graduate; Horlick retired his No. 12 football jersey.

The fundraiser will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Theatre Guild offers Broadway tour in September

The Racine Theatre Guild is offering an escorted New York City theatre trip from September 17-20, 2009.

Packages include roundtrip air transportation and transfers from Milwaukee to LaGuardia, three nights at the Milford Plaza Hotel in the theatre district, tickets to three Broadway musicals, backstage tour of "Wicked," walking tours, hospitality room and some meals.

Tour rates run $1,575-$1,675. Registration requested by March 25. For full information, stop at the Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Avenue or call 262-633-4218 or visit online.

Raiders schedule 2009 pre-season games

The Racine Raiders solidified their 2009 preseason schedule, opening with two teams from the Mid-States Football League (MSFL), which consists of teams from Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

The Raiders open their preseason on Saturday, June 20, against the Leyden (Ill) Lions at 7 p.m., at Horlick Field The Lions went 11-3 in 2008 and made it to the MSFL championship game, where they lost to the Chicago Thunder, 26-21.

On Saturday, June 27, the Northern Illinois Cowboys will ride into Horlick Field for a 7 p.m. game. The Cowboys were 5-3 in the MSFL last season.

This will be the first time the Raiders will play either team. The Lions began operations in 2004 while the Cowboys started in 2007.

The Raiders will have a bye on Saturday, July 4, before starting the North American Football League (NAFL) regular season on Saturday, July 11.

For more information on the Racine Raiders, visit the team's website.

Girls Inc. seeks high school students for 'She Volunteers'

Girls Inc. at the YWCA of Racine invites high school girls to be a She Volunteer. Gain leadership skills and volunteer credit while mentoring younger girls.

Volunteer during BOLD University, movie nights, workshops, and field trips. Spring training will be held on Saturday, March 28. Please contact your school counselor or Marie Block at girlsincracine@yahoo.com or (262) 989-2272 for an application or more information. (You can also download an application here.)

Applications must be received by Friday, March 6 for consideration. Girls Inc., “Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”

Be a mentor for young girls!

Gain invaluable leadership experience!

Increase your chance to earn college scholarships!

As a Girls Inc. She Volunteer you will assist with BOLD University, a leadership camp for middle school students, held during school breaks. Other fun opportunities for volunteering include movie nights, health workshops, and field trips. During the school year you may also volunteer as a co-facilitator for an after-school Girls Inc. group. You must attend the training to be a volunteer and training hours will count towards your total volunteer hours.

Who: Any female Racine high school student with a minimum GPA of 2.5 can be a She Volunteer for Girls Inc. at the YWCA of Racine. (Download an application here.)

What: The training will include everything you need to excel as a volunteer and as a team member. You will directly experience Girls Inc. programs.

When: You will be contacted by March 13th if you have been selected for an interview. Interviews will be conducted March 14th-March 21st. She Volunteers Training is on Saturday, March 28 from 1-4pm.

Where: Interviews will take place at the Girls Inc. office.

How: Ask your counselor for an application or contact Marie by email: girlsincracine@yahoo.com or phone: 262.989.2272.

Application deadline is Friday, March 6th.

Girls Inc to hold BOLD University April 14-15

Girls Inc. at the YWCA of Racine in partnership with Lighted Schoolhouse invites all Racine middle school girls to attend Spring Break BOLD University Tuesday, April 14th through Wednesday, April 15th. Girls will participate in leadership and team-building activities and enjoy a sleepover at Riverbend Nature Center. Please contact Marie Block at girlsincracine@yahoo.com or (262) 989.2272 for more information or to RSVP. Space is limited. Girls Inc., “Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”

Hispanic Business Assn. sets annual banquet

Racine's Hispanic Business and Professional Association will hold its annual banquet on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Racine Marriott, 7111 Washington Ave.

Awards will be presented to Brandon Malacara, named Hispanic Professional of the Year; Lopez Bakery, Racine County Small Hispanic Business; and the Racine Family Literacy Program will receive the HBPA Community Enhancement Award. Scholarships totalling $12,000 will also be awarded.

Jose Vazquez, the guest speaker, is a young man who grew up in a neighborhood where drugs, gangs and violence were just some of the obstacles to be overcome. Jose is now a successful businessman, who owns several businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin. He just made an offer on a property in Racine where he intends to launch another venture. Listeners will be inspired and motivated by this young man's journey to success.

Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., with the program starting at 7 p.m. Trio Alma Latina will entertain.

Questions may be directed to 262-308-3543.

Hey, big guy, want to play for the Racine Raiders?

The Racine Raiders have announced two tryout dates for the 2009 season. The tryouts will be held in Racine and Franklin. Both tryouts are free and prospective players should wear appropriate indoor workout clothing. Both tryouts are for all positions, including punters and kickers.

The first tryout will take place on Sunday, March 15, at The Prairie School, 4050 Lighthouse Dr., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

The second tryout will take place on Saturday, April 25, at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 6000 West Ryan Rd., in Franklin from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

All prospective players should fill out a Player Tryout Form on the Play for the Raiders recruitment website and attend at least one of the tryout dates.

The Racine Raiders do not charge a player fee and offer workman's compensation insurance, gas reimbursement, paid travel for road games, post-game meals, and more.

The Racine Raiders are an adult amateur football team with a history dating back to 1953. The team has won seven national championships, three regional championships, and 13 league championships. There are 26 former Raiders in the American Football Association Hall of Fame.

Numerous former Raider players have gone on to careers in the National Football League (NFL) and a variety of indoor leagues. Matt Turk, currently a punter for the Houston Texans of the NFL, is a former Racine Raider.

RCPJ presents talk on the war on Gaza

Emeritus philosophy professor Robert Ashmore will examine the recent war on Gaza on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 pm. at Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, College Ave. & 7th St. The free event, open to the public, is sponsored by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice.

Israel removed Jewish settlements and its soldiers from Gaza in 2005; then, at the end of 2008, invaded Gaza, not leaving until mid-January. Israel stated that it was responding to rockets fired from Gaza into neighboring Israeli territory. The Gazans, represented by the militant Hamas party, claim that Israeli border closings, transport bans, and other restrictions had imposed extreme hardship on the territory, hence the rocket fire against Israel. In this latest Israeli-Palestinian armed action, major physical damage was done in Gaza and 1,300 Gazans were killed, compared to 13 Israelis.

Ashmore is professor emeritus of philosophy at Marquette University, where he has taught since 1969. He was director of the University’s Center for Ethics Studies for eight years and is the author of Building a Moral System. He has been the chair of Wisconsin Common Cause, and was elected to its national governing board.

Mardi-Crawl in Downtown Racine on Feb. 21

The 6th annual Mardi-Crawl is this Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. in Downtown Racine. This year's event features over $3,000 in prizes, 20 bars and thousands of beads.

Here's how it works:

Ride the trolleys all night long (9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.) for $3. Go to at least six bars and be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing. The drawing will take place at The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery on Fat Tuesday, (Feb. 24th) at 8 p.m. You do not need not be present to win. No purchase is necessary to enter the drawing.

Participating establishments include: Vegas Night, The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery, Pub On Wisconsin, Casablanca de Mexico, Chartroom Charlies, The Chancery, City Haul Lounge, Coasters, The Rhino Bar, Joey’s on 6th, Evelyn’s Club Main, Henry & Wanda’s, Michigan’s Pub, McAuliffe’s on the Square, Ricky’s Place, Redline Tavern, Blue Rock Lounge, Kenny’s, and Spinnakers.

Top Prizes include: Phillips UV beach chairs, Stoli Mirror, Jager Duffel Bag, Guinness Mirror, and much more.

Last year's event drew 2,500 people to Downtown Racine.

Transit NOW presentation about KRM benefits

Kerry Thomas from Transit NOW will make a presentation regarding the benefits of KRM on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Uncorkt, 240 Main St. from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. The presentation is open to the public; however, reservations must be made in advance through the DRC at 634-6002.

Attendees will learn about the status of KRM commuter rail and the Regional Transit Authority.

Nabori, Gary Davis Band at Jean's Jazz

Milwaukee’s premier salsa orchestra, Nabori, and the dynamic contemporary sounds of the Gary Davis Band are featured at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Jean’s Jazz Series at the Racine Theatre Guild.

Weary of pop music and Latin cover bands, the Ayala brothers, Tony (congas) and Wichy (timbales), decided to alter the musical landscape by venturing in an entirely different direction. In 2005, together with singer/composer Robert Figueroa, they conceptualized a style that is classical, true, hard salsa in the spirit of “old school” Puerto Rico. Today, Nabori is one of the most creative, refreshing and original groups in the region.

Rated among the finest in smooth jazz and named WAMI’s “Best Sax and Reed Player” in 2003, Gary Davis plays at sold-out venues here and abroad. He’s found his niche in “contemporary jazz with a soulful groove, on a traditional jazz foundation.” His “Tribute to Lou Rawls” was broadcast internationally on cable. Having previously collaborated with the likes of Herbie Mann, The Jazz Crusaders and Chris Botti, he brings to the Jean’s Jazz stage a vocalist and five-piece band. With a range from mellow to emotional, their music has universal appeal.

A night of Jean’s Jazz is an uplifting treat for the senses. Two sizzling sets are separated by a half-hour break to enjoy complimentary gourmet desserts and coffee provided by Tricia’s Tasty Pastries and Mocha Lisa. Jean’s Jazz offers superior acoustics; unobstructed sightlines; beautiful, smoke-free surroundings; plush, comfortable seating; a cash bar that includes premium beers; room to dance; and the chance to meet and greet some of the area’s finest musicians, as well as fellow music lovers. In addition to Educators Credit Union, sponsorship is provided by Landmark Title of Racine, Norco Manufacturing, BobInsurance.com and Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home.

The third and final installment of Jean’s Jazz 2009 comes Thursday, April 2, when Lake Effect opens for the amazing Janet Planet.

Tickets for both March 5 and April 2 are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors (62 and over), and $5 for students (21 and under). Box office hours are 12 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and vary on weekends. For further information, visit www.jeansjazzseries.com or www.racinetheatre.org.

Go Figure! The Human Form at RAM

Coinciding with the Racine Art Museum's upcoming career retrospective of American ceramic sculptor Viola Frey, the museum presents Go Figure! The Human Form in RAM's Collections March 15 through Aug. 2. Using Frey's interest in the human figure as a starting point, Go Figure! brings together works from RAM's permanent collection that depict the human form in a variety of styles and media.

Unlike many museums that keep works from their permanent collections on constant display, the Racine Art Museum changes all of its exhibition galleries three times each year.

Keke Cribbs, 1993,
Wood, paint, glass, copper

The museum selects from its holdings of over 4,000 objects to create specific thematic exhibitions. Often, as with Go Figure!, RAM draws on its major exhibitions to suggest topics for permanent collection shows that run simultaneously at the museum.

Though Viola Frey was also a painter and a sculptor, she has been primarily identified as a ceramic artist. With ceramics occupying the largest portion of RAM's collection, Go Figure! features many ceramic artists with national and international reputations who are known for their accomplishments in clay. The exhibition includes large-scale and small-scale works; pieces that are freestanding and others that hang on the wall. Artists represented include nationally respected ceramic sculptors Michael Lucero, Beverly Mayeri, Judy Moonelis, Richard Shaw and Akio Takamori.

In addition to its ceramics, RAM is also known for its breadth of holdings in other craft media. Selections from its fibers, glass and metals collections will also join those from the ceramics collection in Go Figure! This exhibition demonstrates that the human figure -- one of the oldest subjects in the history of art, dating back to cave paintings -- is a subject of interest to artists working in most art media today. The show will include works by Judy Mulford and Anne Kingsbury in fibers, David Hopper and Ginny Ruffner in glass and Eleanor Moty and Thomas Mann in metals.

As the inspiration for Go Figure!, the exhibition Bigger, Better, More: The Art of Viola Frey will open at the Racine Art Museum on April 24. Organized by the RAM and the Gardiner Museum, Toronto, this is the first major exhibition of Frey's work since her death in 2004. On view at RAM through Aug. 16, the show features Frey's colossal clay figures, as well as a selection of her paintings and ceramic plates. Bigger, Better, More will travel to Toronto in September, and then, to museums nationwide.

Accompanying Bigger, Better, More is a 134-page exhibition catalogue that follows Frey's career. Author and show's curator, Davira S. Taragin, formerly RAM's director of exhibitions and programs, together with Patterson Sims, former director of the Montclair Art Museum, present never-before-published facts and fresh interpretations of both Frey's life and her art. Susan Jefferies, former curator, Modern and Contemporary Ceramics at the Gardiner Museum, offers a personal recollection of the artist. The book is available from the RAM Museum Store in hardcover or softbound. Copies may be reserved by calling 262.638.8200.

Macyn Taylor performing at Ladies Night Out

Macyn Taylor, a 15-year-old guitarist/singer from Waterford will perform Thursday, Feb.19, at Northern Lights Gallery at 423 Main St. Joining her will be Andrew Lardner, a fellow UW-Milwaukee music student.

Thursday is Ladies Night Out downtown, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Women’s Resource Center of Racine

Taylor, who lives in Waterford, is attending UWM while finishing high school at home. She has been playing the guitar since she was seven, when her father, co-leader of her Brownie troop, taught her a few chords so she could sing a couple of Christmas carols when the Brownies performed a talent show at a nursing home.

From there, things escalated quickly. The activities director of the nursing home invited Macyn back, but she told her father, "Dad, I can only play two songs." He assured her that she had learned those two so quickly, she could easily learn 20 by the next month ... and he was right.

As Macyn describes it: "We went to a different retirement home each week to develop my confidence. Then for St. Patrick’s Day, I learned some Irish songs and sang at some Irish pubs. From there I began playing, churches, festivals, farmer’s markets, coffee shops, fund raisers, charity events, memorial dedications, or any other place that we could find. I really enjoyed it. I was always telling my dad to find me more gigs.

"I started playing on the sidewalk after we took my sister to school in Madison. I saw the street musicians on State Street and asked my parents if I could give it a try. The next time we took my sister to school, I went out on State Street with a mandolin and a coffee can under the watchful eye of my brother. I actually made some money. That was also how the nickname “Sidewalk Superstar” got attached to me. From then on, whenever we would visit my sister, I would bring a banjo or guitar and play for a while on State Street.

"Then I got a gig playing on the UW Student Union Terrace Saturday evenings during the summers. A professor of music became interested in my performances, and suggested I attend classes at the university. I was too young to live in Madison by myself and my sister lived in a sorority house, so I couldn’t stay with her. We decided that I would enroll at UW-Milwaukee."

Macyn says she has met some of the top finger-style players in the world at UWM and is performing publicly "every chance I get." She has more than a dozen videos on YouTube -- be sure to check out her version of "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright," (OK, I'm a sucker for Dylan!) or her banjo rendition of "Cripple Creek." Nice!

Spring brown bag series for business entrepreneurs

STURTEVANT – Business entrepreneurs looking to refresh their social networking skills, develop operational budgets, and learn the art of a 10-minute speech are invited to attend the Spring 2009 Entrepreneurial Brown Bag lecture series to be hosted at Gateway Technical College’s Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI), 2320 Renaissance Blvd.

The first session, at noon on Feb. 19, will offer guidelines to expand social networking skills.

The Spring 2009 series offers sessions on building and strengthening business by using marketing and budgeting strategies. The session is free. A free box lunch will be provided to the first 25 who sign up.

The series is part of an overall initiative by Gateway's Workforce and Economic Development Division to support small business owners and entrepreneurs and anyone interested is welcome to attend. The Brown Bag lecture series begins Feb. 19 and will be held noon to 1 p.m. one Thursday a month through April 16.

• Feb. 19: Refresh Your skills for Social Networking. Presenter: Karen Carnabucci, with Lake House Health and Learning Center, Racine.
• March 19: Operational Budget Management. Presenter: Gene Glas, of Hands On Consulting, Union Grove.
• April 16: The Art of the 10-Minute Speech. Presenter: Mary Finley, membership manager, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Wisconsin.
  

For more information on the series, contact Therese Fellner at (262) 898-7524. Reservations can be made by contacting Joyce Peterson at (262) 898-7514.

RAM hosts retrospective of enamelist Jamie Bennett

The Racine Art Museum will present a first-ever retrospective of works by enamelist Jamie Bennett.

Opening March 22 through Sept. 6, Edge of the Sublime: Enamels by Jamie Bennett explores the artist's creative use and development of a variety of enameling and metalworking techniques to produce color-saturated imagery on brooches, necklaces and pendants. Curated by Jeannine Falino, Edge of the Sublime premiered at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, MA.

Jamie Bennett is an internationally recognized metalsmith whose painterly innovations have expanded the field of fired enamel into a medium for contemporary expression. His work is included in the collections of over twenty museums including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; Musée de Arts décoratifs, Paris; Museum of Arts & Design, New York; and the Renwick Gallery, National Museum of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

Edge of the Sublime provides an overview of the artist's career in making jewelry, enameled wall reliefs and other works on paper painted in oil and encaustic. The exhibition highlights significant examples from each of the major series of works produced by the artist. Included are over 100 ornaments, 20 paintings, enameled wall reliefs, drawings, sketches and notebooks. The drawings and accompanying text inform viewers of Bennett's artistic practices, revealing both the artist's working processes and his conceptual development.

On Friday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m., Jamie Bennett will guide visitors through a behind-the-scenes tour of the exhibit with Bruce W. Pepich, RAM executive director. Bennett will do a book signing after the tour at 7:30 pm. The accompanying exhibition catalogue includes essays by curator Jeannine Falino, Cornell University professor and Art Journal editor Patricia Phillips, and Newport Art Museum director, Karl Emil Willers. The 150-page color publication by Hudson Hills Press, available in hard and soft cover can be purchased through the RAM Museum Store. Details are available by calling the Museum Store at 262.638.8200.

Also, Bennett will give an Enamel Lecture and Demonstration on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lecture and demonstration fee is $60 for RAM members and $75 for non-members. For more information or to register, call RAM's Wustum Museum at 262.636.9177 or go online.

AAUW members learn what young women want

Dana Grueter, program director for the Young Professionals of Racine, will speak on What Young Women Want at the Racine Branch of the American Association of University Women meeting on Tuesday, March 3, at Infusinos Banquet Hall, 3201 Rapids Dr.

Registration is at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m. To make reservations, contact Joyce Gregg at 632-6341 by Feb. 24. While the 7:30 p.m. program can be attended free-of-charge, AAUW requests that those planning to attend call Gregg so that seating arrangements can be made.

Grueter is a 2005 graduate of UW-Parkside with a degree in psychology. Prior to becoming director of YPR, she interned with the US-China Chamber of Commerce, worked for the UW-Parkside Nonprofit Development Center, and spent a summer in China teaching English.

For more information about AAUW-Racine, go to www.aauwracine.org.

Second Ladies Night Out set Downtown

Racine's second Ladies Night Out takes place on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m., when 42 Downtown stores and restaurants will offer specials and activities for ladies' enjoyment.

For example, enjoy special coffee at Plumb Gold, Ltd., chair massages at Copacetic, buy-one, get-one-free slices of cheesecake at Cheesecakes by Jewels, Dove chocolates at Dover Flag and Map and check out their flag special, special Martinis at Ivanhoe Pub and Grill, music and light refreshments in many of the stores.

The HOPES Center’s anchor, Cup of Hope, 507 Sixth St. will feature pianist Martice Scales, right. In addition to being a classically trained pianist, Martice is a barista at the Cup of Hope.

A percentage of all sales for the night go to benefit a local charity. This month’s recipient is Women’s Resource Center of Racine.

Empty Bowls hunger fundraiser is March 2

Officer David Smetana dishes up soup last year

Racine's 10th Empty Bowls event, a fundraiser to fight hunger, will be held on Monday, March 2, at the Masonic Center, 1011 Main St.

There will be two serving sessions, the first from 11 a.m. to 2 pm, and the second from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Live music will be provided at both meals.

Diners receive ceramic soup bowls made by local schoolchildren, artists and friends of the Empty Bowls event; local chefs and restaurants donate the soup. Those attending make a donation and choose a bowl as a keepsake and enjoy a simple meal of soup, bread and beverage.

When you see your new bowl in your cupboard at home you'll be reminded that many in the community do not dine comfortably with family or friends. They have empty bowls because of circumstances beyond their control and your contribution will be used to feed someone who does not have the food security that you enjoy

Prices have not changed from last year and are $15 per meal (you keep the bowl); $5 for children under 10 (Styrofoam bowl) and $7 for “soup to go” (Plastic container).

More than 800 handmade bowls are available. Local businesses have donated the soup, bread and beverages.

“We are fortunate to work with such talented artists in efforts to reach out to our community”, Empty Bowls Committee Chair Dan White said. “Empty Bowls is a wonderful event for families as well as businesses to enjoy. It brings the whole community together for a great cause.”

Since 1997, Empty Bowls has donated over $43,000 to hunger and homeless assistance programs in Racine. Profits from this event will be donated to hunger fighting organizations like HALO, the Racine County Food Bank and area meal programs.

The Empty Bowl Event, founded in 1991, is an international project created to fight hunger. The event is held annually throughout the United States. For further information, or to make donations, contact Dan White at 672-0836.

Reception for Career Industries' retiring director

A retirement reception will be held for Susan Wesner, Executive Director of Careers Industries, on Friday, Feb. 27, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Careers’ Racine facility, 3502 Douglas Ave. The public is invited.

Wesner has been executive director of the nonprofit agency for nearly 19 years.

Careers Industries enriches the lives of people with disabilities through work, care, community. It also has a facility at 161 Industrial Dr. in Burlington. For more information on Careers Industries, go to their website.

Society's Assets golf outing

Society’s Assets will hold its 16th annual golf outing on June 8 at the Kenosha Country Club.

The event includes green fees, cart, lunch, dinner, prizes and fun. Proceeds from the golf outing go towards scholarships for individuals with disabilities.

If you need additional information or would like to sign up a foursome or sponsor the event, call Donna Menarek at Society’s Assets, 262-637-9128.

Sierra Club hosts author of U.P. hiking project

The Sierra Club's Southeast Gateway Group will host nature and travel author Eric Hansen for a one-hour program at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Seating is limited, however, and early arrival is recommended.

Hansen will present a slide tour of the Upper Peninsula's best hikes and offer his thoughts on the land, its compelling themes and its almost mythic place in the imagination of people throughout
the Midwest. The author of Hiking Michigan's Upper Peninsula – A Guide to the Greatest Hiking Adventures in the U.P., Eric walked 900 miles while researching that project.

He found miles of quiet Lake Superior shoreline, thumping waterfalls and sparkling cascades, and high rock balconies with knock-your-socks-off views that stretch 50 miles and more. Hansen will
cover hidden gems like Shining Cloud Falls and the fabled Falls of the Yellow Dog as well as scenic viewpoints like the Trap Hill's Norwich Bluff and the Tip of the Keweenaw's Bare Bluff.

He has highlighted the U.P.'s natural heritage in adventure features in Backpacker Magazine, the op-ed pages of the Chicago Tribune , and in numerous interviews on Wisconsin Public Radio.

A conservation activist, Hansen is part of a widespread citizens campaign to block ill-advised proposals for metallic sulfide mining in the U.P. In 2006, The Outdoor Writer's Association of America awarded him first prize for conservation and environment newspaper writing for
his Chicago Tribune op-ed essay which highlighted the U.P.'s iconic coaster brook trout and the threat of metallic sulfide mining there.

He is a veteran of 28 treks to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, successful ascents of most of the high peaks in Glacier National Park and a telemark-style ski descent of Colorado's highest
peak.

For more information contact the library at 262.636.9217 or visit its website for more
upcoming programs at the Racine Public Library..

Coin show and raffle at South Hills Country Club

The Racine Numismatic Society will hold a coin show on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the South Hills Country Club, located on East Frontage Road in Franksville, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be a coin show raffle, with $1 tickets (six for $5) for chances to win 50 prizes, including gold and silver. Winners need not be present to win.

Admission is free, as is parking.

Rotary's Las Vegas Night comes to Festival Hall

Vegas-style gaming comes to Festival Hall on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 7-10 p.m. as the Racine Rotary Founders Club presents its annual Las Vegas Night fundraiser.

The event raises funds for Racine Youth Sports and Camp Anokijig. For $5 you get $100 in fun money and a chance to win a Vegas vacation for two plus $500 spending money. Games include poker, blackjack, craps, roulette and a money wheel. A silent auction will offer tickets and sports memorabilia.

Gamblers must preregister for the Texas Hold’em Tournament starting at 5:30 p.m. The $50 entrance fee provides chips and a chance to win $1,000 first prize and $500 second prize. Entrants are also eligible for a separate drawing for a door prize.

Call 632-6262 to volunteer or enter the tournament. Food, drink and entertainment will also be provided. You must be 18 to enter.

Candidate Dzindzeleta plans two appearances

Mercedes Dzindzeleta, candidate for First District alderman, will make two campaign appearances this weekend:

• Community For Change Monthly Meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Blueberries Eatery, 522 Sixth St., Racine.
• Inner City Unity Meeting from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the old J&W Drive In Restaurant, 1701 12th St., Racine.

Go HERE for more information and a map to each location. Or check Dzindzeleta's website.

The Feb. 17 primary for the Downtown Racine City Council seat already has three other announced candidates: Renee Mullen, incumbent Jeff Coe and former alderman Keith Fair.

Worlds in Motion at Racine Unified Planetarium

Worlds in Motion, the next presentation of the Racine Unified Planetarium, will take place Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. The Planetarium is located at Gifford Elementary School, 8332 Northwestern Ave.

Worlds in Motion will take the viewer from the microscopic world of electrons zipping around the nucleus of an atom to our own galaxy zooming across the universe. Most people know how long a year is, but few consider how far or how fast the earth travels in its orbit around the sun. Discover how the earth and other objects move through space, how fast you are moving right now, and how there is no such thing as a total couch potato. From the atoms in the air to the dance of the planets; everywhere you look, our universe is on the move.

Reservations are necessary and may be made by calling (262) 631-7093. Due to limited seating, reservations cannot be accepted for organizations or groups. At the school, please park in the east parking lot and enter through the southeast doors.

Mean Jake at Shillings Feb. 7

The rock band Mean Jake will be performing at Shilling's Irish Pub, 611 Wisconsin Ave., on Feb. 7. Show time is 9 pm to 1 am. There's no cover charge.

Mean Jake plays music ranging from obscure southern blues to Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones. They have played such gigs as the International BMW Bike rally in Flint, Michigan, to the Harley-Davidson Swap Meet at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Members of the band are Craig Aude on vocals and harmonica, Brian Kubowski on guitar, Greg McFarland on bass and Richie Schommer on drums.

Leading Ladies comedy at Theatre Guild

Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies,” a highly combustible comedy of mistaken identities on the order of “Some Like It Hot” and “Charley’s Aunt.” Men dressed as women always get laughs, but it’s only the beginning of the fun Feb. 20 through March 15 at the Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave.

Two down-and-out Shakespearean actors, handsome Leo (Mike Kishline) and conniving Jack (David Geisler), are reduced to performing on the Moose Lodge circuit in Pennsylvania’s Amish country. After learning that an elderly woman (Karen Reisenauer) is about to die and leave her sizeable fortune to two long-lost English nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as the beloved relatives. The scam hits a snag when they discover the nephews are actually nieces. Penniless and desperate, they hatch a wild plot, transforming themselves into “Maxine” and “Stephanie.” Romantic entanglements abound, especially when Leo falls head-over-high heels in love with the old lady’s vivacious niece, Meg (Kim Geisler), who’s engaged to the local minister (Chuck Lindas) and yearning for adventure. Stacey Duchrow, John Bruening and Zak Keil complete the cast of local yokels.

Leading Ladies” playwright Ken Ludwig has had a number of hits on Broadway, in London’s West End and throughout the world. He is perhaps best known for his Broadway production of “Crazy For You,” which won the Tony Award for Best Musical; “Lend Me a Tenor,” and “Moon Over Buffalo,” which marked Carol Burnett’s return to Broadway after 30 years. (The Racine Theatre Guild has staged the latter two.) There have been notable productions of “Leading Ladies” at Houston’s Alley Theatre, where it premiered in 2004 with Dan Lauria in the cast, and Ford’s Theatre of Washington, D.C., where it featured John Astin, Charlotte Rae and Karen Ziemba.

In the director’s chair for the Racine Theatre Guild is Managing/Artistic Director Doug Instenes. Kate Potter-Barrow heads the volunteer crew as production stage manager. Sarah L. Hunt-Frank designed the set.

Performances of “Leading Ladies” run on weekends from Feb. 20 through March 15. Show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1:30 p.m. on Sundays, with additional shows at 7 p.m. on March 1 and 8, and at 4 p.m. on March 14.

Tickets cost $16 for the 8 p.m. shows and $14 for all others. Discounts are available for seniors, season subscribers, groups and students. Box office hours are 12 to 6 p.m. weekdays and one hour prior to curtain times. On performance Saturdays the box office opens at 2:30 p.m. For reservations, call 262-633-4218. To learn more about the many entertainment and enrichment opportunities offered at the Racine Theatre Guild, a nonprofit community theatre, visit www.racinetheatre.org.

CookiePalooza! at Spectrum Gallery

“Delicious” art and cookie samples for all ages will on hand for Spectrum Gallery’s fundraiser, “CookiePalooza!” on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Gallery.

Spectrum, located on the lake in the east building of the DeKoven Center will partner with Larsen’s Bakery for the event. The fun fundraiser will offer cookie samples and treats, beverages, a cookie decorating area as well as an art table for kids to draw their own “CookieCharacters” that will later be displayed at Larsen’s Bakery, 3311 Washington Ave. In addition to the treats, Larsen’s will have special baked goods for sale and demonstrations by their professional cake decorator.

Spectrum Gallery artists will display artwork based on food – and help you find your “taste” in the diverse artwork featured in three gallery rooms. Spectrum Gallery invites all ages to “CookiePalooza” with advance tickets: $10 for adults, $3 for children under 12 accompanied by an adult, or purchase at the door. For more information, call Spectrum at: 262-634-4345 or check out the website.

Taizé Service at First Presbyterian Church

A special Taizé service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave.

The Rev. Ben Johnston-Krase will lead a meditative style of worship using elements of prayer, song, and silence to bring a sense of calm and deep peace to worshippers. Vocal and instrumental accompaniment will be provided by Alejandro Alumbreros, Kathi Wilson and Parkside students. A freewill offering will be accepted.

The church is fully accessible by elevator. For more information, contact the church office at (262) 632-1686.

Community for Change on Larry Zamba's show

Kelly Gallaher and Diana Kovacs of Community for Change, a Racine organization made up of local Obama volunteers, will be on Larry Zamba's progressive talk radio show, on WLIP, 1050 AM, this afternoon from 3-4 p.m. They'll be talking about the projects the organization is focusing on.

If you miss the show, a podcast will be available here.